A hammertoe is a deformity that develops at the middle joint of a toe and causes the tip of the toe to turn down, resembling a hammer or claw. This generally happens in the foot's second toe when it is longer than the first toe or when the foot's arch is flat. Hammertoes can be caused by ill-fitting shoes that crowd the toes, genetics or a bunion that can overlap and crowd smaller toes. If the hammertoe remains in a bent position for a prolonged time, the tendons can tighten and shorten and remain this way even if shoes are not worn. A hammertoe can cause pain or discomfort when walking, and the skin can thicken on the toe causing corns or calluses to form. It can also be challenging to find shoes that fit well. If you have a hammertoe and it is causing you pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people who have diabetes also struggle with secondary conditions that affect the lower limbs, feet, and toes. Among these are nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections. Nerve damage is the result of long-term high blood sugar levels, which leave the patient with numbness in the feet. This neuropathy can open the door to cuts or sores that cannot be felt and therefore go untreated. It can also cause damage to the bones and joints of the legs and feet. Blocked arteries are also caused by high blood sugar levels, making it more difficult for blood to reach the toes and feet. This makes it difficult for sores and cuts to heal properly, and they can develop into skin ulcers. If not dealt with promptly, ulcers can ultimately lead to developing gangrene. High blood sugar also can put the diabetic at more risk of infection. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options to care for your feet. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatrists, also known as DPMs, are particular kinds of doctors that specialize in treating conditions of the feet. These medical professionals must undergo a rigorous course of study before being able to practice by themselves. Many patients are often curious as to what equipment podiatrists use in their practice to treat patients. The answer is that there are many different specific tools and pieces of equipment that podiatrists can use to accomplish different tasks. For example, to treat the toenails, podiatrists often have nail nippers, nail rasps, as well as cuticle and tissue nippers. To perform evaluations and examine the bones of the feet, many podiatrists also have X-ray machines in their practice. Also, some other pieces of equipment that are common in a podiatrist's practice include forceps and clamps, surgical curettes, and retractors. If you are someone that wants to learn more about podiatry equipment, contact a podiatrist today. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is an arthritic condition that results from a buildup in the system of uric acid that crystallizes in the joints and causes inflammation. Gout can flare up overnight and last for a week or so before calming down. There are a few stages of gout, including asymptomatic, acute, interval or intercritical, and chronic tophaceous. Pseudogout is often confused with gout because the symptoms are similar even though the causes differ. This type of gout is actually caused by the crystallization of calcium deposits, and the flare-ups are less severe. The main symptom of gout is excruciating pain, commonly in the big toe, redness, swelling, and stiffness. A person can have high uric acid levels without experiencing the symptoms, but this can ultimately cause tissue damage. Acute gout flares up suddenly, and interval gout is the period between flare-ups. These intervals may become shorter, but because uric acid continues to build up, gout may become chronic. This is the most painful form of gout and can develop into kidney disease if not treated. If you believe you have any form of gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.